This is our second blog on getting to know our acts, we have 4 different acts listed below who have answered some questions we've asked. Take a read and feel free to have a chat to them at their next gig when they are back on the scene!
DARREN GOULD
At what age did you start performing?
I started playing guitar around the age of 8/9 years old and was playing events etc at 13. I started playing in bands in my hometown of Parkes around 15 and I was in bands all through high school. First pub gig was in Cobar at the age of 15/16 from memory.....wow....many memories and what a way to grow up and learn independence.
What is your favourite thing about it?
Making connections with people and sharing a common love for music. Seeing the enjoyment people get from listening to what I do and obviously meeting and developing friendships with fellow musicians. Also the buzz of playing band gigs with amazing musicians and the vibe that it brings.
Best memory with performing?
I have many first memories. I remember busking in my hometown at the age of 13 and having made the local paper, me playing electric guitar outside a local shop dressed like a surfy kid from the coast. I have so many core memories playing amazing gigs with so many talented people and I feel fortunate to have been surrounded by so many talented and genuine musicians.
Your favourite venue to play at?
This is a tough one. I have a few favourites, The Colliery Inn (because like most local musicians, Mick and Deb have run many venues and have been great supporters of local music) I played at their pub over 20 years ago. Pippis is a great gig, Mavericks is an awesome spot too and I love the boat and Moonshadow gigs. Too many to narrow it down to a few. Also Club Bero with the poppy of sound disco Stu:)
A fun fact about yourself?
Not many people know I used to be a ballroom dancer....jokes. That I have been playing venues since I was 15. That I am a mad keen fisherman. That my family are my world and I have a talented, gorgeous singing wife and 2 beautiful boys. Mmmm, maybe that I started a career as an apprentice mechanic (that didn’t last). That I am also an Assistant Principal.
ROX
At what age did you start performing?
I guess my first gig was at age 17 at the Apollo, Charlestown in the late 80’s. I kinda fluked my way into it, from there I landed my first ship gig on Fairstar then onwards from there performing all over the world.
Between ships I’ve lived in Puerto Rico, Santiago Chile, Marbella Spain and Arnhem Land.
What is your favourite thing about it?
I’ve always loved performing but I guess the best thing is making people happy and the friends I’ve made. Waking up in a different port every day was great when abroad but the best thing now is waking up in my hometown, unless of course I haven’t been to bed yet!
Best memory with performing?
My best memories are well...I’d have to say my decade residency at the Kent so many great times there and the place was always packed. Performing a funk gig with an 11 piece horn section was a sublime experience, I also have headlined on several ships as well as my supports for Diesel, Braithwaite, Gang gajang, Leo Sayer and Thirsty Merc. But my most recent gig as part of Genr8 has taught me heaps and it’s lots of fun jamming with Pete while Yianni does all the work.
Your favourite venue to play at?
Too many to mention here, but my favourite venues are outside ones near the water or overlooking the Hunter landscape.
A fun fact about yourself?
I love working in live radio each week and promoting local talent. I’ve had a few identities over the years. Firstly to avoid confusion as Newcastle actually has 2 Paul Rothapfel’s (with the same birthdays) working as Musos. I opted to use the moniker ‘ROXY‘ in honour of my grandads cousin ‘Samuel Lionel Rothafel’ who was the pioneer of commercial cinema in USA and the impresario who gave us ROXY Theatres, Radio City Music Hall & the Rockettes (originally the Roxyettes) I had to drop the Y several years ago owing to a lawsuit by Madison Square Garden. In radio I’m known as Paul Jaye - a play on my middle name, Jason.
ASHLEY KNIGHT
At what age did you start performing?
At 9 years old
What is your favourite thing about it?
The different people you meet along the way, both musicians and audience. Seeing you make someone's wedding or engagement day is so heartwarming.
Best memory with performing?
There are honestly so many great memories but recently when I was holidaying in NZ I got the opportunity to perform in front of the a Maori chief and tribe which was pretty awesome!
Your favourite venue to play at?
Now that's like picking a favourite child - can't do it! 😉
A fun fact about yourself?
Apparently my family always knew I was going to grow up to sing and perform because I used to criticise Dorothy the Dinosaur's singing and say I could do so much better. Had a lot of confidence apparently! 😂
THOMAS JAMES
At what age did you start performing?
I’ve been playing music for as long as I can remember, and since both my parents are musicians, they had a massive influence on my musical life. I started performing on stages from the age of 11 and in big arenas since I was 13. I took on musical roles later in my teenage years, and only started performing in pubs and clubs since last year.
What is your favourite thing about it?
When I get the chance to perform, not only do I feel as if my heart and soul is incandescent (how very poetic of me), but I also get to share my passion and learn new skills constantly. I also get to meet new people and share my stories.
Best memory with performing?
While I was completing my senior years at school, I decided that I wanted to perform in front of the whole school. And so, the very first time that I got up and sang, the whole school started to sing and clap along to the song. Now, that may not seem like such a big deal, but because I was singing one of my original songs, it meant so much to me.
Your favourite venue to play at?
A fun fact about yourself?
I have two original songs on Spotify/Apple Music (I know right, epic plug):
